District L

Remember the 90s? It doesn't seem that long ago, but I was only 11-years-young when "party like it's 1999" meant drinking hot chocolate with extra marshmallows before bedtime.

Consider Laver's Law denounced, because while only a little more than a decade has passed, subtle 90s reminders have already been welcomed back onto the runway and into streetstyle reports. In August, WWD ran a nostalgic article on Daria, the 1998 MTV cartoon character. The apathetic, teenage caricature donned combat boots and over-sized glasses, a look we have all grown to embrace and appreciate this season. Jean Paul Gaultier channeled this punky, rebellious mood in his SS11 collection, which included the aforementioned lace-ups, as well as neon piping and generous eyeshadow application.

Unable to avoid mass-market saturation, the combat trend managed to remain relevant nevertheless. But don't worry - this write-up is not about the obvious boot trend, but instead about how one popular late-90s look managed to spawn a new generation of reckless offspring.

Pay attention, because runways and showrooms alike have been promising a spring of pyramid studs, midriff cutouts, sloped bucket toppers, and [Nick's favorite] gaucho hats.

Get ready, because not even a fashionista with the cruelest intentions could force-feed you Teen Spirit without your consent. Let's face it: Not everyone is ready to remember [or...um, imagine] that mocha-lipsticked world sans Google, YouTube, and V Magazine.

Pshh... As if.

Post by Amanda LaMela

After a long and excessive Thanksgiving holiday, I took to the streets for some retail-induced cardio. Even in this crisp autumn weather, I find it’s easier to maintain my energy level when fashion is on the agenda, and isn’t it always?

Yesterday began with some velvet appreciation at Lois Eastlund, as I snapped some photos in her newest arrivals, met her new mascots, and browsed her dress archives. Mini Lois was sitting pretty among the freshly-placed Christmas decorations, enjoying her new plastic man-friend... But that story is to be continued.

After another blissful visit to 153 Ludlow, I made my way over to Mint Julep to peruse their array of unique accessories. Trend right and playful, this Ludlow Street boutique tapped into the sailor theme we enjoyed this past NYFW.

While my DL counterparts often take successful trips to Beacon's Closet, I rarely try my hand at second-hand. Keeping this in mind, I took baby steps right into Foley + Corinna. They tastefully mix top-quality vintage accessories with their own partygirl collection, so I wasn’t immediately compelled to scrub my hands after leaving. Although I didn’t score any merchandise, I did overhear the sales associate gushing about how lucky they’ve been with acquiring luxe furs. ::Hint::Hint::

Post F + C, I had worked up quite an appetite. I decided to visit my friends at BisousCiao Macrons. (Don’t worry, their delicious treats are gluten-free.) As I picked a few of my favorite flavors, the smiling French man behind the counter warned that my beloved fall recipes would soon be so-last-season. So if you have not yet tasted their pumpkin spice macron, you’d better hurry.

Last but not least, I headed down to The Young Designers Market on 268 Mulberry Street to visit Sarah from Box 185 and check out her fun assortment of accessories. With liberal use of feathers, leather, and fringe, Box 185 offered an exciting collection that’s just too cool to miss.

Unfortunately, my fun took a brief intermission when Chase AutoAlerts reminded me that I have rent to pay. Luckily, there is a place on the Lower East Side to relieve oneself of such pain. Aptly named Painkiller, the “60s-punk-tiki-bar” on Essex Street serves creative drinks beneath flames and inside seashells, meant to be shared among friends.

Who says there’s no cure for the Sunday blues?

Post by Amanda LaMela

A week after their successful Soft Opening Concert and Party, the talented team behind Starboard Hudson announced that the party ain't over. Shortly after the New Year kicks in, the libertine crowd will again flood the ship for music and mayhem. [Don't fret - we'll be keeping you posted on the details.]

Congratulations, Starboard, for a splashy start!

Post by Amanda LaMela

Oh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: sample sale season. It’s the joyous time of year that makes us truly grateful for the teeny bodies that can utilize these wonderful sales. Luckily, there is a trend sweeping the nation that is making staying in shape that much easier; gluten free – the newest fashionable food trend (essentially, no wheat.)

Many celebrities have jumped on this diet band-wagon loosing baby weight and spreading the glutton-less gospel that has convinced many-a-restaurant to offer a wheat-free portion of their menu. The District L staff made its way to Pala on this tragically hung-over morning to get some tasty gluten-free goodies ...and offend the majority of patrons at this quant little Italian LES restaurant.

To learn more about the gluten-free lifestyle: www.celiacs.com, or find out “mouth first” at restaurants like Pala at 198 Allen St.

To quote Rachel Ray, “Yummo.”

Post by Madisen Walker

After the District L brunch bunch infiltrated Pala with animated facial expressions, alcohol-fueled revelries, and gluten-free demands, we made our weekly visit to our obvious favorite, Lois Eastlund. While recapping last week's anniversary party, Lois started sharing her next upcoming calendar-worthy shopping event.... so listen closely.

Apparently American Express, the Fashion Week sponsoring, Don't-Leave-Home-Without-It, status card, has added another item to its fashion resume: Small Business Saturday

Amex understands the importance of small boutiques to our local economy and to our wardrobes. That is why they will be offering incentives to shoppers who spend at participating independent retailers the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So if you visit a store like Lois' and spend $25 or more on your American Express, you'll receive a $25 statement credit.

Let's boil that down: Spend Money = Get New Stuff + Get Free Money Back + Support Local Business

Now, that's an equation we can work with.

Post by Amanda LaMela

On Sunday, October 22, our little borough of Brooklyn was the proud host of National Steam Punk Day. And lucky for them, we were just curious enough to leave our lovely island and check it out.

Steam Punk is a growing trend that is essentially Victorian science fiction. Or, vintage Lara Croft.

The event boasted turn of the century garb paired with metallic goth pieces such as deconstructed watches, large bullet-turned-necklaces, and even… goggles? Yes, goggles. Needless to say, this is a trend that some people live and breathe by, but there are still ways to introduce smaller inspiration pieces into your daily wardrobe.

The focus of the event was a fashion show featuring Steam designers and a performance from Lolalola’s dance group. There were also readings, a vintage photo booth and a ton of yummy vendors to purchase your Steam Punk accessories.

One of our personal favorite vendors was Victoria von Boom Boom of RockLove. Beyond making cool things, even for actual rockers like Twisted Sister and Courtney Love, she was actually quite a fox too.

To check out her goodies (such as the rubber bracelets made from tire parts that you roll on like a condom) visit her website http://www.rocklovedesigns.com/.

While we can’t imagine Steam Punk taking over next month’s Vogue, we wouldn’t be shocked if a few key pieces snuck their way in. (We are hoping those lace masks will have a dual purpose.) So be sure to swing by the convention next year. Since it has doubled in size from last year, we have high hopes for the next one!

Post by Madisen Walker

I leave work and step out into the street from our building in midtown Manhattan, and it's RL COLD. Now that NYC has been cast back into the inescapable black hole of F/W, I find myself on the one hand rejoicing (TRENCH COATS, YES) and on the other hand lamenting (POLAR BEARS, NO).

On the subway, trying not capsize amid a torrential sea of a million other shitty commuters, I sort of just stare out the window and fantasize about corduroy short-shorts and heathered jersey tank tops, wishing I lived in Rio de Janeiro. Then, realizing I've been sitting underneath mood-alteringly bright flourescent lights all day, I weep.

So all metaphors and adjectival phrases aside, winter is really screwing with me right now.

Enter Mjölk - the label of recent New York transplant Lars Stoten, and the label that gave me the hope I might live to see April. One of the really great things about his S/S 2011 collection, among many, is that it's inspiration was taken partly from the very same gritty, urban ennui that drives me to heavy weekend drinking aboard sunken ships. Yet in the end, what we see is a beautiful show of well-proportioned menswear, luxuriantly spartan at times yet full of colorful, sun-kissed moxie.

"The history of industrial New York and Coney Island, Depression-era photography, aerial views of farmland, stained glass windows, and contemporary art all inspired the balanced and distinctive range of colors and shapes this season."

A rich, well researched source of inspiration, combined with a deeply educated use of color theory, made for a collection that gave rise to ravenous cravings for summer. I mean, if you're starving and cold and there's a single, ripe peach hanging off the branch of an otherwise dead tree, you're going to climb that fucking tree and do whatever it takes to eat that goddamn peach. Well, Mjölk S/S 2011 is rather like that peach. Do your worst, F/W.

You can find more looks, as well as a downloadable press release here on the Mjolk Homme website.

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

Photos by Amanda LaMela

Our fellow District L darling Nick can attest; it isn't easy staying put. So when I heard handbag designer, Kazumi Lomri, considered herself a 'citizen of the world,' I knew we would find relatable content. Originally hailing from Tokyo, Kazumi has lived in 9 cities around the world. Fortunately, in 2002, she found inspiration that stemmed from her beginnings - her mother and an antique silk obi.

Eight years later, Kazumi and her mother have successfully introduced their line of unique, handmade handbags to the world. Combining traditional symbols, colors, and fabrics from the kimono and obi, this creative pair has developed a collection of versatile accessories, perfect for the modern jetsetter.

While the brand has been available in cities from Barcelona to Melbourne, CHAKO Tokyo is just finally touching down on US turf. And why should everyone else have all the fun? Check out their chic and cocktail-friendly design below...

Post by Amanda LaMela

Edit: What good would we be if we couldn’t help you find it?! Shop CHAKO Tokyo at Searle (60th/Madison) and online at http://www.shoplatitude.com